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Our Mission
To provide health education and promote partnerships to improve community health, focusing on underserved, rural, and minority populations.
Our Vision
To be the driving force toward optimal health for a thriving, kind, and equitable global community.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement
Big Bend AHEC celebrates diversity and embraces the unique perpectives of all community members as we endeavor to improve health in the Big Bend.
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Who We Are
Big Bend Area Health Education Center Inc. (Big Bend AHEC,) est.1995, is a nationally recognized not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors who are local health care professionals, educators, and community leaders who represent the health needs of the communities we serve. BBAHEC is part of a larger statewide network called the Florida AHEC Network. It includes five AHEC Programs at each of the state’s five medical schools and 10 centers covering all 67 counties of the state. We are also an active member of the National AHEC Organization, which supports 56 AHEC programs with more than 235 centers that operate in almost every state and the District of Columbia.
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Mission
The Florida AHEC Network
To create community and academic partnerships to improve the health of rural and medically underserved communities.
Our Programs
Tobacco Free Florida AHEC Cessation Program
You are not alone when it comes to addiction to tobacco products. Learn how you can join a Group Quit session today.
Early Childhood obesity prevention (ECOP)
The cycle stops here. Our goal is to lead by example and create a culture of health within school communities.
Big Bend Rural Health Network (BBRHN)
We collaborate with others in the region to ensure that our residents can improve or prevent chronic diseases.
Closing the Gap (CTG)
We strive to provide healthcare for all, including closing the gap to those who lack access to primary care or are uninsured.
Lupus Awareness
Lupus, an autoimmune disease, triggers inflammation throughout different tissues in the body. We are advocating for these patients.
Health Care Summer Institute is (HCSI)
The Office for Diversity and Health Equity sponsors a 4-week summer camp for minority high school students, rising juniors and seniors only, with career interests in health professions who live within the University of Florida AHEC service areas.
We Are One
Big Bend Rural Health Network has been awarded the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation grant for the last two years. Using these grant funds, we have created the “We Are One” project that exists within three of our service counties.
AHEC Scholars
The scholars program will provide students with interprofessional learning opportunities focused on building the skills and competencies needed to help transform primary and patient care.
DEEP
The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program™ (DEEP™) is a Medicare-approved, evidence-based diabetes self-management education (DSME) program for people with prediabetes or diabetes and their loved ones. All classes are FREE.